Although Azerbaijan by definition is often seen as within the sphere, if not actually part of Persia/Iran, it does have a definite identity of its own and whether as a region or as an independent nation. Its identity is often reflected, as with most communities, within its native arts and crafts, and no more so than the textiles of the region, in particular its embroidery.
It is said that the roots of Azerbaijani embroidery lie in the Bronze Age, and while this cannot be definitely proved, the motifs and design work used in the native embroidery of the area, can trace its history back through generations of Azerbaijani cultural history and the general design and craft history of the region.
Azerbaijan has a rich and varied textile history with a particular emphasis on weave, knit and embroidery. Many richly decorated fabrics were produced in the past using silk, gold and silver threads, which were worked onto a relatively thick background fabric, which often included various rich velvets. Local pearls and beads were also added to these richly decorated pieces of handwork to add to the emphasis of richness and depth. Colour was another form used to emphasise the richness of the work with colours of both threads and backgrounds often being dazzlingly heightened, all adding to the overall display effect.
The best and most expensive embroidery work was produced for the royal court of Azerbaijan, mostly in the form of wall hangings, which were often used as statements of wealth and power to visiting dignitaries. However, less expensive and less detailed work was also widely produced, though no less accomplished. This work was mainly designated for domestic use and the decoration of clothing. Embroidery was also used to decorate objects as diverse as riding equipment, and dowry items.
Much of the design work, though not exclusively so, was floral or geometrically based, though traditional Persian motifs that were often used within the carpet trade were also incorporated into the vocabulary of Azerbaijani embroidery.
Interestingly, the production of embroidery was not limited to women. Men were also involved in the work and took an active part in the design and decoration aspects of the medium.
The images shown here were produced by the Soviet Union for the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. It was part of a large national exhibition promoting the traditional crafts from across the Union.
Although embroidery is not produced on such a scale as it once was, Azerbaijan is still proud of its embroidery heritage and historical pieces can be seen in many of the museums of the country and at regular exhibitions. Some good examples can be seen at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism website, which can be seen here
Further reading links:
Embroidery: Traditional Designs, Techniques, and Patterns from All over the World
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Azerbaijani Republic
Azerbaijan Since Independence
Transcaucasus: Georgia, Armenia, & Azerbaijan
Cuisines of the Caucasus Mountains: Recipes, Drinks, and Lore from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia
Azerbaijan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
Azerbaijan: Traditional Music
Azerbaijan: Webster's Timeline History, 10000 BC - 2007
Azerbaijan (Cultures of the World)
Music from Azerbaijan
